Texas Beef Checkoff vote to be held June 2-6

Program funded by producers

Blair Fannin/Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The use of checkoff funds is limited by the parameters established in state law, which are beef production, marketing, research and consumer education for beef and beef products.

Texas cattle producers will have the opportunity to vote on the Texas Beef Checkoff, June 2-6.

The Texas Beef Checkoff is a producer-funded and managed state-level promotion, marketing and education program for beef and beef products. If approved the Texas Beef Checkoff program will be funded through a refundable assessment on cattle at each point of ownership transfer in Texas. The maximum assessment will not exceed $1 per head of cattle.

The use of funds is limited by the parameters established in state law, which are beef production, marketing, research and consumer education for beef and beef products. The money can be used in Texas, the U.S. and/or internationally. The law does not allow checkoff funds to be used for lobbying activities to influence public policy or government affairs.

The Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas will serve as the management entity of the state level checkoff program, if approved. This council will be appointed by the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture from producers nominated by the Texas Beef Council with input from Texas cattle organizations. It is intended that the same people who serve on the Texas Beef Council will be nominated and appointed to serve on the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas.

Producers who have owned cattle in Texas any time between June 6, 2013, and June 6, 2014, are eligible to vote. Voting locations will be Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county office during regular business hours at that office. Eligible producers unable to access a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county office during the voting period may request a ballot by mail from the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Mail-in ballots must be requested between today and June 2 by calling 512-463-3285. Completed mail-in ballots must be returned directly to the Texas Department of Agriculture, postmarked no later than June 6, to be valid.

For more information about the Texas Beef Checkoff and the referendum, contact Lance Williams, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711 or call 512-463-3285 or visit TexasAgriculture.gov.